1. Speedo Men’s Surfwalker 3.0 Kayaking Shoes
2. Merrell Men’s All Out Blaze Aero Kayaking Shoes
3. Chaco Women’s Flip EcoTread Kayaking Shoes
4. Chaco Men’s Z2 Classic Sport Sandals
5. NeoSport Wetsuits Paddle Low Top Boots
6. Stohlquist Men’s Tideline Boots
7. Kokatat Men’s Scout Boot Charcoal
8. O’Neill Freaksneak Low Top Boots
9. NRS Freestyle Wetshoe
Kayaking Shoes Buying Guide
How We Chose Our Selection Of Kayaking Shoes
Brand - We stay away from cheap imitations because keeping your feet warm and protected in the water is an essential part of kayaking, particularly in colder conditions. That’s’ why we chose kayaking shoes from brands that specialize in water gear like wetsuits. That way you can be sure the shoes will perform when you hit the water.
Reviews - The best people to tell you about the performance of kayaking shoes are kayakers who have already tried the shoes. That’s why we checked the reviews of the kayaking shoes in our selection. Reviews tell us all the great features of these shoes, but they also tell us what to look out for so we can avoid ones that may not be suitable for us.
Price - Everyone should enjoy water sports and other aquatic activities like kayaking, so we checked prices to suit all budgets. Of course, some have more features than others so spending a little more will be worth it. However, you may find the perfect pair of kayaking shoes in our selection without a hefty price tag.
Features To Look For In Kayaking Shoes
Material - No matter whether you like to go kayaking in calmer waters or white water rapids, you can be pretty sure your feet are going to get wet. Materials used to manufacture kayaking shoes should repel water as much as possible and dry fast too. Look for these features, but also ensure the materials are strong enough to protect your feet from bumps and scratches.
Length - Kayaking shoes come in different lengths and the best one for you could be anything from a sneaker type length, to an ankle boot or even longer. It will depend on where you are kayaking and the conditions. The shorter ones may be fine for summer, but the longer ones will keep your feet warmer and more protected in the warmer months.
Fit - Any shoes that take on the water can easily come off and be lost. Look for kayaking shoes that fit snugly and securely without being overly tight. That way you can get your feet as wet as you like, jump off your kayak and pretty much enjoy all the fun and adventure that comes with this great activity.
Sole - When it comes to kayaking you could find yourself bracing your feet on the bulkhead of your kayak, or if you have a sit-in model, you want your feet to fit securely on the foot pedals or rests. The sole needs to be flexible, durable, and non-slip so you stay safe and secure in and out of the water.
Grip - Water, by its very nature, is slippery and if you’re going to get hurt, it will usually be when you’re around water. Getting in and out of your kayak can be hazardous if you have shoes will sleek soles. You want good rubber soles with a traction pattern that offers a good non-slip grip so you can board your kayak or walk around rocks with a minimum risk of injury. For more footwear with these features, check out our list of non-slip shoes.
Warmth - Very few kayaking shoes will keep your feet completely dry, but there are many that will keep your feet warm, much the same way as a wetsuit keeps your warm when you’re diving. If you’re kayaking in warmer weather, this may not be an issue, but if the weather and water are particularly cold, you’ll really appreciate the warm insulation properties found in good quality kayaking shoes.
Waterproof - The materials most kayaking shoes are made of may very well be waterproof or water repellant but that won’t necessarily stop water from getting into your shoes. The main purpose of using waterproof materials is so that your kayaking shoes repel water and dry quickly. Cold, wet feet are painful and uncomfortable so shoes with waterproof materials will go a long way in keeping your feet from becoming overly cold and waterlogged. As many kayaking shoes can be washed by hand or machine washed, waterproofing is also convenient as the shoes will dry a lot faster. This is great when you combine a kayaking and camping trip and want your shoes clean every day.
No matter what type of kayaking shoes you decide is best for you, just make sure they fit well and will protect your feet from extreme cold, sharp rocks, and other debris. The best kayaking shoes will see you through any weather so you don’t have to stop kayaking when the weather gets colder. Better yet, have different kayaking shoes for different weather conditions so you don’t need to completely enclose your feet with boot-style kayaking boots during the hotter months when you want your feet to get wet.
Keep your feet safe, secure, and warm when you go kayaking so that the only memories you take home with you are of the fun and excitement you experienced and not the discomfort you may endure due to wearing the wrong shoes. Pull on your kayaking shoes and put your best foot forward as you explore the many bodies of water around us.
